Static Virtual Camera Positioning for Sinus Opening Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical procedures involving three-dimensional (3D) images of patients, such as CT scans, face challenges in accurately placing a virtual camera to visualize narrow body cavity openings like sinus openings, due to the limitations of two-dimensional image slices and time constraints for camera adjustment during otorhinolaryngological procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically placing a static virtual camera by receiving 3D image data, identifying a seed location within a body cavity, generating rays at different angles, selecting the ray with the greatest distance to the intersection point in a second body cavity, and rendering an image from that vantage point on a display screen, allowing for precise visualization of the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a virtual camera is manually positioned in 3D image data, then the physician can adjust the camera position to visualize body cavity openings, but the time required for camera adjustment increases during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically calculating and positioning the virtual camera at the optimal viewpoint before the medical procedure begins. The algorithm pre-determines the camera position based on 3D image data of the body cavity, eliminating the need for real-time manual adjustment during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by using the 3D image data itself to automatically determine the optimal camera position. The algorithm processes the existing volumetric data to identify the best viewpoint without requiring external intervention or manual manipulation, allowing the system to serve itself in positioning the camera.
2Ease of manufacture
If two-dimensional image slices are used to visualize body cavities, then the imaging process is simpler, but the ability to accurately visualize narrow openings like sinus openings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional image slices to three-dimensional volumetric data representation. By utilizing 3D image data, the system can accurately render narrow openings and complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to visualize in 2D slices, providing comprehensive spatial information about body cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D image data serves multiple functions: it provides comprehensive anatomical information, enables automatic camera positioning, allows visualization from any viewpoint, and supports both planning and intraoperative use. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple separate 2D imaging sequences.
3Device complexity
If the virtual camera position is fixed, then the system is simpler to implement, but the ability to adapt to different anatomical variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of camera position from fixed to dynamically determined. By calculating the optimal camera position as a function of the specific 3D image data, the system adapts to different anatomical variations while maintaining a relatively simple implementation. The algorithm automatically adjusts camera parameters based on the actual anatomy detected in the volumetric data.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include receiving 3D image data with respect to a 3D region in a living body, the 3D region including a first body cavity having an opening to a second body cavity, and receiving coordinates of a seed location within the first cavity in proximity to the opening. The 3D image data is processed so as to identify, for each ray among a plurality of rays emanating from the seed location at different, respective angles, a respective distance from the seed location to a respective intersection point at which the ray intersects surface tissue in the second cavity. Among the rays, the ray for which the distance from the seed location to the respective intersection point is greatest is selected, and an image is rendered that includes the opening as seen from a location on the selected ray.